A solicitor has taken the extra step for her clients by providing counselling support.

Sarah Griffiths, recently promoted to associate solicitor at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, has obtained a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills from the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body.

She has also just started working towards her Level 3 qualification.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors works with clients across Cumbria, Northumberland, and nationally, and has offices in Rosehill, Carlisle, Carlisle city centre, Cockermouth, Penrith, Brampton, Hexham, and Haltwhistle.

Ms Griffiths said: "I have learned a lot about counselling skills during my studies and it really helps you to understand the clients’ frame of mind.

"I specialise in wills, probate, and inheritance, and these are usually upsetting times for people going through grief and bereavement, or perhaps who have received an awful diagnosis and are trying to get their affairs in order.

"I’ve learnt how to listen properly.

"We all think we can offer people comfort through listening to their problems, but I’ve learned how to listen differently to pick up on things troubling clients through what they don’t say, or even in the manner they say things.

"It’s about providing empathy with the client to let them know we are there to help during some upsetting times, and to signpost them in the right direction of any further help they may need.

"I have developed an information sheet so we can direct them to a support group or counselling service, and help them get to the right place to get the support they require.

"I would recommend the counselling courses to anybody because I have learned a lot about myself personally, and how to provide a more sympathetic ear to people.

"I’m excited to expand these skills and improve what services I can provide, and implement them alongside the range of legal services we offer as a firm."

Ms Griffiths joined Cartmell Shepherd 12 months ago, having returned to her hometown of Penrith.

Her promotion to the role of associate solicitor comes ahead of her 30th anniversary of qualifying as a solicitor next year.

This comes alongside the career development of her colleague Laura Murphy, who has been appointed as senior associate solicitor at Cartmell Shepherd’s Hexham office.